Stories
-
Samantha Porter unites applied research and outreach in her community development work
Darryle AldridgeSam Porter brings her previous public service work to help the Philadelphia Fed promote economic growth and improve access to opportunity in underserved communities.
-
Opportunity Finance Network: It takes more than money to serve the underserved
Charles GerenaAs mission-driven lenders, community development financial institutions (CDFIs) invest their funds and capacity building in underserved areas. Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) supports these unique organizations, working with the Fed to understand CDFIs’ impact.
-
Javier Silva elevates the perspectives of Spanish-speaking communities around climate resilience and health economic outcomes
Jennie BlizzardAt work, Javier Silva brings together two distinct but important worlds of community development and the Spanish language. “In community development I try to help areas that are underserved and need attention on health equity and climate resiliency /adaptation—two of our team’s thematic focus.”
-
A rural foundation for success in community conversation
Liz DudaAs a Community Development Regional Manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Erika Bell helps amplify people’s voices.
-
National Disability Institute and city partners push for an inclusive economy accessible to all
Gabriella ChiarenzaPeople with disabilities are more likely to be unbanked and underemployed. The National Disability Institute has a plan and the right partners—including the Cleveland Fed—to change this pattern and make the economy more accessible for everyone.
-
Intermediary connects projects, people, and dollars
Jennie BlizzardInvest Appalachia and the Fed have joined forces to help rural communities and small towns turn investment-worthy ideas into investment-ready ones.
-
Investing from within: Native CDFIs help their people find home
Gabriella ChiarenzaNative CDFIs use creative approaches to help their neighbors navigate homeownership in Indian Country, making notable progress even at their smaller scale. But they can’t do it alone. Learn how other lenders can join NCDFIs to connect Native homebuyers with the loans they seek.
-
Nishesh Chalise connects research and community perspectives through equity work
Emily SullivanNishesh Chalise works to bridge the gap between data and real-world application, providing a path forward for economists, community leaders, and researchers.
-
Bank examiner Jessica LeVeen Farr bridges community development and regulatory worlds
Jennie BlizzardAtlanta Fed bank examiner Jessica LeVeen Farr has a background in bank financing and community development. The dual experiences have proved invaluable in her current role supporting banks’ complying with the Community Reinvestment Act by investing in the communities they serve.
-
Collaboration and service motivate Jane Santa Cruz’s community development work
Darryle AldridgeJane Santa Cruz shares how collaboration and partnerships help communities grow and achieve their goals.